Tokyo events for Monday, August 5 to Sunday, August 11, 2024.
Another fantastic week of events treats us to even more fireworks festivals, Bon Odori, night markets, and lantern-floating.
For manga and anime fans, check out both the Jujutsu Kaisen and Digimon exhibitions, as well as one of the biggest cosplay events of the year — Summer Comiket.
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Citta’ Summer Festival
Feel the vibrant ambiance of summer with a bustling night market, kimono-clad patrons, and live performances. You’ll find all the traditional elements of a Japanese matsuri (festival) — taiko drumming, lion dances, culinary delights, and fun games — but with modern elements like a stylish outdoor bar and spectacular live shows.
Downtown Drinks #49: Summer Sun and Fun
Join us, Tokyo Cheapo, for our 49th Downtown Drinks in August and get to networking, meeting new people, and enjoying a few hard-earned drinks. This event is meant for everyone — from readers to travelers to mysterious strangers.
Meiji Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival
The Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival is the most urban and hence accessible of the Tokyo fireworks festivals. Approximately 10,000 fireworks will be hurled into the air over a paying audience within Jingu Stadium or the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium. An evening event in which candle-lit lanterns are floated down the Sumida River. 2,500 lanterns with handwritten messages are glided down a slope into the waters on the east side of the Sumida River (the Asakusa Station side — not the Skytree side) between Azuma-bashi bridge and Kototoi-bashi bridge. Okutama Fireworks Festival is a tiny fireworks show by Tokyo standards — you can expect just under 1,000 fireworks — but it is in a beautiful natural setting. Okutama Fireworks will take place right in front of Okutama Station. The Kanda Myōjin Shrine Bon Odori combines a traditional Japanese summer festival and upbeat anime tunes for unique summer fun. Friday’s dance (starting at 5 p.m.) is the most popular for its anime music and costumes, whereas the weekend dances are hosted by local cultural organizations. The Asagaya Tanabata Festival takes place every year in the Asagaya Pearl Center. The festival is famous for its paper-mâché recreations of cartoon characters as well as the traditional Japanese games and a great diversity of foods. The annual Kōtō Ward Fireworks Festival will see 6,000 fireworks going off — making it about a third of the size of Tokyo’s biggest fireworks festivals. You won’t be allowed near the venue without a ticket. Comic Market, better known as Comiket, is one of Japan’s biggest annual pop culture events. Historically a free event, Comiket has now limited admission to paid ticket holders. For those planning to cosplay, you will also need a special cosplay ticket, which grants you access to changing rooms and includes entry all day. Japan’s music festivals are known for their legendary performances. Rock in Japan is five days of different artists from around Asia. Split between four main stages, you can drift between the beats and soak in the sounds in the summer heat. See the largest sunflower field in Tokyo at Kiyose Sunflower Festival. Around 100,000 sunflowers decorate this farmland on the outskirts of Tokyo. There will also be performances on both Sundays during the event period. Tokusatsu refers to shows that use a lot of special effects, like Godzilla, Kamen Rider, and Super Sentai. Other than the main shows, there will also be an exhibit, a kiddie play land, a game corner, photo ops, a themed food shop, and merchandise. It may not be a very large event, but it’s got enough to keep tokusatsu fans happy. The Fukagawa Festival is officially one of the big three Shintō festivals of Tokyo along with the Sanno Matsuri and the Kanda Matsuri. The festival generally happens around August 15, but the actual schedule may vary slightly from year to year. The not-to-miss events are the water-throwing and mikoshi (portable shrine) processions. If your childhood was all about these cute little critters, the Digimon Adventure Exhibition will be a nostalgia trip. This event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the TV show. Visitors get a chance to watch the original episodes of Digimon Adventures, along with other immersive experiences. Another Shibuya Incident, but this time, you can get involved. Head to the Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition in Shibuya if you love the anime. The exhibition is split into multiple zones, each focusing on a unique aspect of the manga. Finish the year with a healthy dose of fun and festivity. Tokyo events for Monday, November 25 to Sunday, December 1, 2024. If you like your holiday season with a bit of European flair. Join our lovely presenter Patricia as she explores Kōenji, a retro paradise and hipster haven. Take a little break from the city. The best parks, gardens, and day trips this fall. The capital puts on quite a show — don't miss it! The lights are coming on. All the views, without any of the hassle. 
Asakusa Tōrō Nagashi Lantern Floating
Okutama Nōryō Fireworks Festival
Kanda Shrine Anime Bon Odori Dance
Asagaya Tanabata Festival
Kōtō Fireworks Festival
Summer Comiket
Rock In Japan Festival
Advance sales: ¥15,000 Kiyose Sunflower Festival
W Hero Festival
Fukagawa Festival
Digimon Adventure Exhibition
Advance sales: ¥2,200 At the door: ¥2,500 Advance sales: ¥1,200 At the door: ¥1,500 Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition
Advance sales: ¥2,000 Advance sales: ¥1,000 Advance sales: ¥1,500 Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox
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